Spreading the love Esparciendo amor

Spreading the love

Story by Gregg McQueen

Artist Laura Pou is also known as the Lovebomber.

The Lovebomber is on the loose.

But no need to panic — this sly photobomber only has good intentions.

The Lovebomber is the nickname of uptowner Laura Pou, a Washington Heights resident who revels in taping the word “love” over street signs, advertisements, placards, subway notices and more, then photographing the results.

“I like seeing how the word changes the meaning of the original phrase,” said Pou. “It’s a beautiful word and I want to see it everywhere.”

Pou began her photography project about two years ago. She recalled how she would routinely look at signs in the city, which often declare rules or restrictions of some sort, and envision a more uplifting spin for their content.

“There can be a lot of negativity and stress in New York City, and I wanted to send a positive message,” explained Pou.

“By changing the meaning of the sign, I’m looking to make people think as well,” she added.

An exhibition of Pou’s numerous “love bombing” photos will be displayed at the Le Chéile restaurant in Washington Heights starting on May 7, and can be seen there through the end of month.

An opening reception on May 7 will feature music from the band My Favourite Things.

Pou snaps her eye-catching photographs all over New York City.

“I really do it anywhere,” she said. “I went to Paris last month and I was lovebombing there, too.”

After taking a photo, Pou removes her “love” marking from where she temporarily placed it.

“I’m not looking to deface any property,” she said. “I’m very respectful. I only want the moment.”

A native of the Dominican Republic, Pou moved to Northern Manhattan in 2002. She keeps herself busy — a fashion designer by trade, she also manages a local jazz band and produces a line of custom-made scarves, tote bags and vests called Arual’s Stitch Factory. (“Arual” is Laura spelled backwards).

“I wanted to send a positive message,” says Pou.

Pou said every item she stitches is unique, and made with lots of recycled material.

“I like turning things into other things,” she remarked. “It’s the same with my photographs.”

While traveling around the city, Pou is always armed with her trusty camera and “love” signs, in case inspiration strikes.

“Sometimes I’ll just see someone on the street wearing a t-shirt with a phrase I like, and I’ll want to photograph it,” said Pou.

Though she’s occasionally shooed away by business owners or given the cold shoulder by people she stops on the street, Pou said most New Yorkers have been receptive to her photobomb project.

“Overall, I get a great reaction from people because they think I’m spreading positive vibes,” she said.

Laura Pou’s photo exhibit, “Lovebombing New York and Other Playgrounds,” can be seen throughout May at Le Chéile, 839 West 181st Street, New York, NY.

An opening night reception will be held on Thursday, May 7 from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

ImagiNATIONS by Andrea Arroyo│ ImagiNACIONES por Andrea Arroyo

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